Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)

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First published 2001 (DOST Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Superficial(l, adj. [ME and e.m.E. superficiall (Trevisa), -fyciall (Lydgate), -ficial (a1430), OF superficiel (1314 in Larousse), late L. superficiālis.] a. Of a thing or object: That stands or grows on the surface (of the ground). b. Of a unit of measurement: Applying to surface area. c. Of non-material things, mental states, etc.: Concerned only with outward appearances; trivial; shallow. —a. 1533 Bell. Livy II 231/21.
Ar we sa litill effeckit to this erd that we call oure moder, that all oure kindenes and lufe dependis onelie in the treis and superficiall materis thairof —b. 1597 Skene Verb. S. s.v. Particata.
Ane superficiall fall of lande, is sa meikle boundes of landes, as squairly conteinis ane lineall fall of bredth, and ane lineall fall of length, quhairof followis, that be the lineal fall, land is measured, and be the superficiall fall, land is rekned —c. 1600-1610 Melvill 37.
For my light young nature was giffen mair to be superficiall nor solid, circumferentiall nor centrik 1667 Dunblane Synod 44.
Privy tryalls … in which I have perceived in some places … very much of superficiall empty forme; for the helpe of which [etc.] 1669 Jus Populi 1.
Taking but an overlye, slight and superficial view